NPF News

Allentown, Pa. - New England Riptide first baseman Garland Cooper hit a
one-out, third inning home run to give the Riptide a 1-0 victory over the Philadelphia Force. The Force had taken the previous three games of the four-game series against the Riptide.

Riptide pitcher Eileen Canney (4-2) took a no-hitter in the fifth inning, but left fielder Megan McAllister slapped a base hit up the middle with one out. Canney pitched the completed game allowing just two hits and struck out two. She was backed by solid defensive play highlighted by Jackie Pasquerella at third base.

For the Force, Margo Pruis (3-1) was again strong in the circle. She held the Riptide (13-11) in check and scattered six hits over her seven innings of work. In her fourth complete game of the season, Pruis recorded three strikeouts of Riptide hitters.

On a very hot afternoon, both pitchers took turns sitting the opposition down quickly as the game was finished in 1 hour 57 minutes. This game was a make-up from Thursday nights rainout.

Force center fielder Sharonda McDonald was on base twice with a single and
a walk, and first baseman Kellie Wilkerson also reached base twice with two walks.

Starting Tuesday, the Force (10-10) will be hosting the Stratford (Conn.) Brakettes. The Brakettes are the premier Amateur Softball Association (ASA) franchise. They are winners of 27 National Championships and four in the last five years. Currently they hold a 31-0 record against fellow ASA teams. Former Philadelphia Force pitcher Candice Freel returns to Allentown with the Brakettes. Through July 1, Freel has posted a 15-0 record with 0.53 ERA. Stratfords other pitcher Brandice Balschmiter has a 16-0 record and a 0.44 ERA. The four-get set runs from Tuesday through Friday with all games starting at 7:05 p.m. at ECTB Stadium. All four games will count for the Force in the NPF standings.